How The Rightwing is Destroying Journalism: First they came for Radio,Next MSM

[democracy1st]

The rightwing controls over 90% of political talk radio and still complains of a liberal bias

Ron Fournier says he regards Sandy Johnson, his predecessor as head of The Associated Press’s Washington bureau, as “a mentor.”

Johnson, though, regards Fournier, who replaced her in a hard-feelings shake-up in May, as a threat to one of the most influential institutions in American journalism.

“I loved the Washington bureau,” said Johnson, who left the AP after losing the prestigious position. “I just hope he doesn’t destroy it.”

There’s more to her vinegary remark than just the aftertaste of a sour parting. Fournier is a main engine in a high-stakes experiment at the 162-year old wire to move from its signature neutral and detached tone to an aggressive, plain-spoken style of writing that Fournier often describes as “cutting through the clutter.”

Now here's Madfloridian's great piece from July 2008

http://journals.democraticunderground.com/madfloridian/2365



And now this :

JEFF BALLABON NAMED CBS SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, COMMUNICATIONS

Ballabon claimed that, after his most recent job in Washington, he became convinced that Democrats are inherently bad people and Republicans are fundamentally good people.

During the 2008 election, Ballabon said, "Obama is incredibly dangerous."

Ironically, Ballabon told JTA, following his new CBS News appointment, that he "always worked well with Democrats and Republicans."


http://blogs.jta.org/politics/article/2009/02/19/1003145/ballabon-joins-cbs-news




Madfloridian's post is a must read,the takeover is happening right before your eyes. We have to figure out a way to combat it.

[depakid]

1. Hate to tell you- but it took Bill Clinton to destroy radio

And I'm not just talking politics- but for new artists who once upon a time could get airplay if their songs were catchy.

Stop blaming Republicans. They just do what they do- what sorts of folks like that always do.

Blame if you want it- lies with Democrats.

To this day.

[democracy1st]

2. I understand Clinton's 1996 Telecommunications Act,give me a example of republicans being blamed

in this post.

[depakid]

3. Do you really need an example?

They pretty much own- and do payola- on the entire broadcast spectrum in the states.

With no accountability.

And as I said- that's just how folks like that are- that's how they always have been.

Why would they change their stripes?

[democracy1st]

4. thanks for the response the point I'm trying to make is according to the

First Amendment of The United States Constitution


Amendment 1 - Freedom of Religion, Press, Expression. Ratified 12/15/1791. Note

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

http://www.usconstitution.net/const.html#Am1


Thomas Jefferson best stated the Framers' views on a free press when he declared: "The basis of our government being the opinion of the people, the very first object should be to keep that right; and were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter"



Thomas Jefferson, who was the drafter of the Declaration of Independence and the third American president, said;

“Our liberty can only be guarded by the freedom of the press. That freedom cannot be limited without the danger of losing liberty.”


No matter how much money or power the right has,according to the US Constitution they still don't have the right to dictate what the press shares with the citizens of this country.

[Fla_Democrat]

5. Huh?

:shrug: